12 Steps to Take after Suffering a Workplace Injury

If you have a workplace injury, it is easy to lose sight of what you need to do next. This type of situation is both confusing and distressing. In addition to physical injuries, you may also have other concerns pertaining to your accident. To better understand your legal options, read on to find out what you should do after a workplace accident. There are 12 basic steps to follow:

1. See a Doctor for Your Injuries

A certified first aider should conduct immediate treatment. Every workplace has a legal obligation to a first aider and a first aid kit. If you are unsure about the seriousness of your personal injury, consider visiting an urgent care center without delay.

2. Inform Your Employer

Notify your supervisor or a HR member that you have a workplace injury. Once your employer is aware of your situation, they are at liberty to file a report with OSHA. It is important to note that one breaches the workplace protocol if they fail to report the accident to their employers.

3. Inform Your Colleagues

This should be done if there are no witnesses at the time of the accident. Making others aware of your situation is essential if your employer wants to open an investigation or you wish to file a Workers’ Compensation claim at a later time.

4. Update the Accident Book

There are enough grounds to file for a constructive dismissal claim if your manager fails to record your injuries in the accident book.

5. Have Sufficient Evidence

Record a video or take photographs immediately after an accident has taken place. These pieces of information can serve as proof to employers and other regulatory agencies.

6. Ask for Help

Before you leave the office or workplace, approach one of your colleagues and request that they keep you updated if there are any changes to work policies or other work-related equipment.

7. Record Your Symptoms

Doctors or nurses may accidentally omit some of their patients’ symptoms on paper. That’s why it is important to make personal notes of your health status on your phone, computer, or diary.

8. Adhere to Medical Appointments

You should continue going for follow-up visits after receiving treatment in a hospital or showing positive signs of recovery.

9. Raise a Formal Grievance

This should be done when you get injured due to certain workplace conditions such as defective equipment or slippery flooring.

10. Record Personal Financial Losses and Expenses

This will be useful in case you have suffered lost wages or incur a significant amount of out of pocket expenses. Without this type of information, it can be difficult to seek reimbursement.

11. Request for Appropriate Documents

Ask for any relevant information about yourself from your employer whenever the need arises. For example, a certain legal document may become relevant when filing a Workers’ Compensation claim.

12. Don’t Speak to Call Center Operatives

Unless you trust them, it’s advisable to speak directly to an attorney when filing a Workers’ Compensation claim. Of course, if you are not given the right service from one attorney, you have every right to change counsel.

At Corradino & Papa, LLC, we specialize in a wide range of practice areas, including personal and catastrophic injuries. Feel free to contact us for assistance with any workplace injury query.

Disclaimer: Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.